Caviar Info

Why Petrossian Caviar?

For nearly ninety years, Petrossian caviar has stood for excellence.
This legacy of quality began when two brothers, Melkoum and Mouchegh Petrossian,
moved to France and distributed caviar from the sturgeons of the bountiful Caspian
Sea. It developed as Petrossian expanded, with a restaurant in New York City and a
product line that includes savory foie gras and sweet French chocolates. And it
continues today, as Petrossian became the first major distributor to work with
sturgeon farms, providing gourmet sustainable options with a taste that holds a place
on the mantle alongside beluga, sevruga and ossetra caviars

So what makes Petrossian caviar special? It starts with the sturgeon:
whereas other producers pull the fish as soon as it matures, Petrossian allows the
sturgeons to age, giving their caviar a fuller, more robust flavor. Working with
specialists at the world’s finest caviar refineries, the roe undergoes a
specific salting process, giving the caviar beads the delicate accent of
“malossol” – meaning “little salt.”

From there, Petrossian caviar is quickly refrigerated and stored fresh
for sale. Thanks to our high output of caviar, sent direct to our restaurants across
the globe, as well as other fine eateries and individual gourmands, Petrossian caviar
is delivered at peak freshness. The end result? Luxurious caviar perfect for your
palate. Bon appetit!

The History of Caviar

The origin of the
word caviar is heavily disputed. The ancient Greeks served “avyron” at
lavish occasions, while others claim that the Turks were the first to coin the word
“Khavyar.” References to caviar date back to antiquity when Phoenician,
Egyptian and Roman coastal populations began to salt and pickle sturgeon eggs.

Persians coined the term “Chav-jar” or “cake of power,” as
they considered caviar to be a stimulant that increased their endurance and force.
They were the first population known to consume sturgeon eggs, benefiting from the
incredible resources provided by the Caspian Sea and its nearby rivers. Following the
great commercial routes of Central Europe, caviar made its first appearance at the
Russian court quickly becoming the preferred delicacy of their royal Czars. Caviar
slowly acquired popularity in Europe, where it became a delicacy of
Aristocrats.

Through time, caviar began to appear on popular tables. In the United States, at the
end of the 19th century, sturgeon eggs were sold in saloons in hopes that its
saltiness would make bar patrons thirstier. It is estimated that American caviar
production reached 75 tons per year. Sturgeon, a major food source in the Hudson
River, was commonly sold as “Albany Beef,” as it was so plentiful and
affordable. At this time, sturgeon harvesting was also particularly intensive in the
Gironde and the North and Baltic Seas. Sold at a frivolous price, the quality of
caviar quickly declined.

In Paris, during the Roaring Twenties, caviar once again became a fine delicacy
served at the greatest tables in the country. Exiled Russian royalty, intellectuals
and aristocrats who fled the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, with the assistance of the
Petrossian house, revived the art of caviar. The Petrossian legend began by serving
this fine delicacy at the world’s most grand tables, becoming a symbol of
luxury and an indispensable ingredient for success.

grey
to golden brown
The farm-raised Siberian Caviar has
smallergrains but maintain a subtle,
woodsy flavor.

Serving Caviar

In serving caviar,
freshness is key. Though caviar can be stored unopened in your refrigerator for up to
four weeks, it should be consumed immediately upon opening. Remove the caviar from
the refrigerator as little as 15 minutes before serving, and place the tin on a bed
of shaved or crushed ice and serve with a caviar spoon.

A special presentoir designed by Petrossian showcases our caviar with a truly elegant
presentation. So as not to break the eggs, caviar should be spooned carefully onto
lightly toasted bread or directly in the mouth with Petrossian spoons – not
metal, which can alter the taste. Serve fresh, premium quality Petrossian caviar in
its original perfection – do not sprinkle with lemon or serve with chopped egg,
onion, or sour cream. Save these garnishes for inferior grades of caviar. For serving
accompaniments, we offer blini and crème fraiche – very subtle flavors
made specifically to let caviar’s full flavor shine through.

To drink with caviar, we recommend you rinse the palate with a dry alcohol, ideally
vodka, a dry white wine, or Champagne.

And beyond the spectacular taste of caviar, one can accrue all the fine points of
caviar culture: the présentoirs and spectres, the golden ladles, and the
mother-of-pearl serving spoons!

Speak to a caviar concierge1 800 828 9241
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST
Open later during the holidays